Maltese lawmakers are expected to pass a bill Monday that will legalize civil unions, allowing same-sex couples to have the same rights as straight married couples, including the ability to adopt children, in the predominately Catholic country.

An offer by two Texas judges to officiate same-sex "commitment" ceremonies at an Austin courthouse on Valentine’s Day has sparked the anger of GOP politicians who noted the Lone Star State doesn’t recognize gay marriage.

Chile moved one step further toward securing gay rights this month with the Senate approval of same-sex civil unions legislation, which will now pass to a constitutional assembly, and then to Congress on Jan. 20.

The first gay couple granted a civil union in Colorado said their vows before hundreds of people early Wednesday morning at a downtown Denver municipal building, where eager couples and members of the public gathered to celebrate the first legal unions.